MADRID — Real Madrid endured a nightmare evening at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, falling to a 2–0 defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga — a result that leaves Barcelona four points clear at the top of the table.
In a game filled with frustration, Williot Swedberg struck twice in the second half to seal a famous win for the visitors. Real’s problems deepened as Fran García and Álvaro Carreras were both sent off, reducing Xabi Alonso’s side to nine men before full-time.
The loss marks just Madrid’s second league defeat of the season, but it comes at a crucial time — only three days before their Champions League showdown with Manchester City. To make matters worse, defender Éder Militão was forced off with an injury, further stretching Alonso’s defensive options.
It was a disjointed performance from Los Blancos, who were playing their first home match in over a month following six consecutive away fixtures across all competitions — a stretch caused by the Bernabéu hosting an NFL event. That extended run on the road seems to have taken its toll, with Real Madrid now winning just one of their last five league games.
“We have to turn the page as soon as possible,” said Alonso in his post-match press conference. “It’s only three points, but we need to react quickly. The Champions League game against City is the perfect opportunity to change the feeling and get this bad taste out of our mouths.”
For Celta Vigo, the win represents one of their finest moments of the season. Forward Borja Iglesias, speaking to Movistar, praised his side’s discipline and bravery in possession.
“It was tremendous,” he said. “We read the game very well. We had some luck with our chances, but we did well — we played in their half, we kept the ball, and we showed belief. Against a team like Real Madrid, that’s not easy.”
Elsewhere in La Liga, Espanyol continued their excellent form with a 1–0 win over Rayo Vallecano, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Roberto Fernández. The result lifts Manolo González’s side to fifth place, just four points behind Atletico Madrid with a game in hand.
